The MLB World Series stands as one of the most esteemed achievements in sports, prompting a review of the last decade’s champions and their Most Valuable Players (MVPs).
Looking ahead to the 2025 MLB World Series, the season is already in full swing with the Los Angeles Dodgers aiming to defend their title and make franchise history by winning consecutive championships. Yet, the Dodgers face strong competition from National League contenders like the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets, all determined to claim the top position. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers lead the American League, boasting the highest win record with 33 victories out of 50 games.
The MLB postseason format advances the top six teams from each league to the playoffs, with the top two seeds receiving byes into the Division Series. In the playoffs, the third seed faces the sixth seed and the fourth seed plays the fifth seed. Subsequently, winners progress to face the top two seeds, culminating in the National and American League Championship Series, whose victors compete in the World Series.
Reviewing the last ten World Series champions:
– 2024: Los Angeles Dodgers
– 2023: Texas Rangers
– 2022: Houston Astros
– 2021: Atlanta Braves
– 2020: Los Angeles Dodgers
– 2019: Washington Nationals
– 2018: Boston Red Sox
– 2017: Houston Astros
– 2016: Chicago Cubs
– 2015: Kansas City Royals
In 2024, the Dodgers ended a four-year championship drought by defeating the New York Yankees 4-1 in the series, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani’s debut World Series performance. The 2023 Texas Rangers secured their first title since their founding in 1961, marking the first time since 1989 that two teams from the same state—Texas—won consecutive World Series, preceded by the Houston Astros’ 2022 victory. Other memorable titles include the Braves’ 2021 win, their first since 1955, and the Dodgers’ unique 2020 championship during the pandemic, played entirely at a neutral site.
Key World Series MVPs over the past decade include:
– 2024: Freddie Freeman (Dodgers)
– 2023: Corey Seager (Rangers)
– 2022: Jeremy Pena (Astros)
– 2021: Jorge Soler (Braves)
– 2020: Corey Seager (Dodgers)
– 2019: Stephen Strasburg (Nationals)
– 2018: Steve Pearce (Red Sox)
– 2017: George Springer (Astros)
– 2016: Ben Zobrist (Cubs)
– 2015: Salvador Perez (Royals)
Historically, the New York Yankees dominate MLB with 27 World Series titles, although their last championship was in 2009. The St. Louis Cardinals follow with 11 World Series wins, while the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics have each secured nine titles.
Fan Take: This recap of recent World Series champions and standout players reminds baseball fans why the sport’s history and evolving rivalries are so captivating. The intense competition and emergence of new powerhouse teams promise exciting seasons ahead that can elevate the game’s popularity and inspire future generations.
